Articoli di riviste sul tema "Compression IQ"

Introduction: Beyond the-5G technologies are targeting the available bandwidth (BW) in the D-band and J-band. This promises for very high speed communication and sensing accuracy. Although the advantages of operating beyond 100 GHz from the application point of view, it requires a lot of research and development to design a reliable and power efficient chipsets. In this presentation we will go through the design of wideband 240 GHz transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx). Firstly an overview about the link budget analysis will be given, then the design of the local carrier signal generator will be discussed. The wideband Txs and Rxs are to be presented with frequency channelizing concept. At the end the results of the wireless links will be demonstrated. Link Budget Analysis: Operating at sub-THz frequencies approaching the transistor fT put a lot of constraints on the system link budget. The elevated noise figure together with the limited maximum Pout of the transistors lead to solutions which might be limited in BW or power efficiency. Hence the design architecture need to be optimized taking into account the elevated power consumption and heat dissipation. Carrier Generation: Several approaches could be followed to generate the sub-THz carrier frequency. For a power efficient solution the fundamental oscillators promise for a power efficient solution but with limited phase noise performance and tuning range. Such a solution is more common for imaging systems operating at a single frequency. In order to achieve wider tuning ranges for multi-channel scenario or FMCW radar systems, the frequency multiplication chains are common, whereas the multiplication factor depends on the system parameters. Sub-THz Rx: Different approaches were followed to realize a wideband sub-THz Rx. For some technologies the transistors ft does not promise the realization of low noise amplifiers (LNA) with reasonable noise figure, gain and BW. Hence the mixer first approach were followed trying to optimize the noise figure of the down conversion mixer as much as possible. This also enhances the input compression point (IP1dB) of the Rx which is better for monostatic radar applications. On the other hand, if the technology in use allows the development of well performing LNA’s, the LNA first approach was followed to enhance the all over NF of the receiver and ease the implementation of IQ Rxs. In our work an LNA was implemented followed by IQ downconversion mixers and baseband chain as presented in [3]. Sub-THz Tx: The Tx main challenging performance parameter in the sub-THz frequency range is to achieve high output compression point across the required BW with as high efficiency as possible. Increasing the power handling capabilities of the power amplifiers (PA) by increasing the transistors sizes of the output stages, leads to low output impedance and hence higher impedance transformation ratios for the matching structures and eventually narrow band designs. Hence the power combining architectures were proposed as an alternative to increase the output power either by combining on-chip or combining in air. In this work a fully integrated IQ Tx is to be presented with on-chip LO chain and 4-way power combined power amplifier. Baseband Signal Generation and Processing The baseband topology depend on the application. For mobile communication or localization use cases a wideband channels are not available directly from the digital processors, a kind of channel bonding is required either in the digital domain or in the analog domain. As a proof of concept we present here 3-IQ frequency interleaving combiner. Wireless Link Demonstrator Two demonstrators are to be presented. The first demonstrator is transmitting a broadband IQ signal generated from an arbitrary wave generator wirelessly utilizing an IQ 240GHz Tx and Rx. Data rates up to 100 Gbps were demonstrated across a 1m of wireless link. The second demonstrator includes the implementation of 3-channel IQ channelizer to create the complex modulated signal at several intermediate frequencies (IFs) and then upconverted to the 240GHz carrier signal. On the Rx side the de-channelizer convert the down modulated signal to three IQ channels. Data rates up to 8Gbps were demonstrated wirelessly with the channelization with potential of further enhancements for more channels integration. Outlook The future of the sub-THz wireless links for high speed communication and localizations goes towards implementing phased array and MIMO systems. This requires the research community to develop novel architectures to develop large scale arrays with acceptable power consumptions and suitable packaging solution. On the baseband side also the channel bonding solutions are still in an early stage, requiring more work to bond modularly larger number of channels.

OBJECT No previous reports exist that have evaluated the relationships of white matter (WM) integrity with the number of shunt revisions, ventricular volume after shunting, and cognition in medically stable children who have spina bifida and hydrocephalus (SBH). The authors hypothesized that enlarged ventricles and a greater number of shunt revisions decrease WM integrity in children. METHODS In total, 80 children (mean age 13.7 years) who had SBH underwent MRI and IQ testing. Probabilistic diffusion tractography was performed to determine mean diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics along the frontal and parietal tectocortical pathways. The DTI metrics were evaluated for significant correlation with a composite IQ measure and with the total number of shunt revisions and the total lateral ventricular volume obtained through semiautomated parcellation of T1-weighted MRI scans. RESULTS An enlargement in total lateral ventricle volume and an increase in the number of shunt revisions were both associated with higher fractional anisotropy (FA) and with lower radial diffusivity (RD) along both frontal and parietal tectocortical pathways. Children who had not undergone a shunt revision had on average a greater lateral ventricle volume and higher FA and lower RD along frontal and parietal pathways than those who had undergone multiple shunt revisions. The mean DTI metrics along parietal pathways predicted IQ scores, but intellectual ability was not significantly correlated with ventricular volume or with the number of lifetime shunt revisions. CONCLUSIONS Significant changes in DTI metrics were observed as a function of ventricular volume. An increased lateral ventricle volume was associated with elevated FA and decreased RD. Given that the participants were medically stable at the time of the MRI examination, the results suggested that those who have enlarged ventricles show a DTI pattern consistent with axonal compression due to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in attenuated hydrocephalus. Although limited by a cross-sectional design, the study's findings suggest that DTI metrics may serve as sensitive indicators for chronic, mild hydrocephalus in the absence of overt clinical symptoms due to increased ICP. Having enlarged ventricles and undergoing multiple shunt revisions did not affect intellectual ability in children with SBH.

Specific monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) design features have been integrated over time to provide improved vision performance after lens replacement surgery. Features of the AcrySof® IQ single-piece monofocal IOL (SN60WF, Alcon Laboratories) include architectural, chemical, and surface characteristics that improve performance over earlier designs. The architectural features include single-piece construction with low resistance to compression, 3D haptics for easy implantation, and predictable and stable long-term positioning. The foldable hydrophobic acrylic plastic provides efficient light focus and incorporates ultraviolet (UV) radiation and light-normalized spectrum transmission characteristics. The plastic’s surface incites minimal post-operative uveitis and capsule reaction and also resists epithelial cell proliferation. The biconvex optic is asymmetric with most of the power incorporated into the anterior surface to reduce dysphotopsia. The posterior surface has a base convexity and incorporates an aspheric modification. The optic’s square edge provides a barrier that discourages epithelial cell invasion and consequent posterior capsule opacification and need for neodymium-doped yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) posterior capsulotomy, and is frosted to reduce dysphotopsia.

Using a preform fabricated by a cold forward extrusion process, the present study numerically predicted and experimentally investigated its residual stress and microstructural characteristics, as well as its plastic deformation damage and hardness. Prior to realizing the preform, AISI 1035 cold-drawn medium carbon steel material with a diameter of 50.0 mm and a height of 121.0 mm is first spheroidized and annealed, after which phosphophyllite is used to coat its outer surface. To identify the influence of the spheroidizing and annealing on the mechanical properties and the microstructural phase, uniaxial compression tests and microscopic observations are carried out. After assuming the deformation behavior of the workpiece during the cold forward extrusion with a plastic material model and with an elasto-plastic material model, separately, three-dimensional finite element simulations are adopted to visualize the residual stress and the plastic deformation damage. The preform produced by cold forward extrusion is fully scanned by using an optical 3D scanner, the Vickers micro-hardness is measured, and the residual stress through EBSD (electron backscatter diffraction) analysis is observed. Briefly, the results show that the ferrite and pearlite within the raw workpiece is well spheroidized by the heat treatment, and that there is a decrease in the KAM (kernel average misorientation) value of about 40%. In terms of the preform obtained by the cold forward extrusion, the dimensional requirement is more suitably met with the predicted layout when adopting the elasto-plastic material model than that of the plastic material one, and the numerically predicted residual stress agrees with the Vickers micro-hardness distribution. It can be verified that the dislocation density (or the internally stored strain energy) based on the IQ map and the IPF map is substantially increased around the extrusion region, and that the KAM value is increased by roughly 516% as the whole average of the observed values.

The paper presents an overview and significant improvement of one of the intensive quenching processes (namely, the IQ-3 process). The IQ-3 process is an interrupted quench method that is usually implemented in high-velocity single-part quenching IQ units. The IQ-3 process is often called a direct convection quenching since, due to a very high water flow rates through the quench chamber, both the film boiling process and the nucleate boiling process are eliminated completely, and convention process starts immediately after beginning of the quench. Different criteria of the IQ-3 process interruption are considered. Normally, the IQ-3 process is interrupted at a time when current surface compressive stresses are at their maximum value. After a conventional IQ-3 process, there is a mixed structure in the part core. The paper focuses on the IQ-3 method that provides a bainitic structure in the part core. A method for calculation of a required water flow rate for high-velocity IQ systems for providing the bainitic part core structure is discussed.

In the paper the hardening process of splined semi-axles is discussed and physics of preventing the quench crack formation during intensive quenching (IQ) is explained. It is shown that during IQ process at the splined cylindrical surface very high compressive current band residual stresses are formed which prevent the possibility of quench crack formation on splines. It is enough to optimize the stress distribution through the section of semi-axle and perform IQ process in order to prevent quench cracks formation in splines. It is achieved via optimizing depth of surface hardened layer. In this case the depth of surface hardened layer for cylinders and for cylinders with splines are the same. There is no need to create a special thin shell on splines or perform carburization to create such shell. Due to larger martensite specific volume, it results in surface compressive residual stress formation. Absence of martensite phase at the core eliminates core swelling that could be a reason in tensile surface stresses. The idea is supported by FEM calculations and testing of real semi-axles in industrial condition. The new idea simplifies cardinally technological process and makes it less costly.

AbstractThis study describes the development and characterization of novel composite scaffolds, made of an alginate‐chitosan hydrogel matrix containing eggshell (ES) particles, for bone tissue engineering applications. Scaffolds with ES particles, either untreated or treated with phosphoric acid to create a nanotextured particle surface, were compared to scaffolds without particles. Results indicate that the nanotexturing process exposed occluded ES proteins orthologous to those in human bone extracellular matrix. Scaffolds with ES or nanotextured ES (NTES) particles had a higher porosity (81 ± 4% and 89 ± 5%, respectively) than scaffolds without particles (59 ± 5%) (p = .002 and p < .001, respectively). Scaffolds with NTES particles had a larger median pore size (113 μm [interquartile range [IQ]: 88–140 μm]) than scaffolds with ES particles (94 μm [IQ: 75–112 μm]) and scaffolds without particles (99 μm [IQ: 74–135 μm]) (p < .001 and p = .011, respectively). The compressive modulus of the scaffolds with ES or NTES particles remained low (3.69 ± 0.70 and 3.14 ± 0.62 kPa, respectively), but these scaffolds were more resistant to deformation following maximum compression than those without particles. Finally, scaffolds with ES or NTES particles allowed better retention of human mesenchymal stem cells during seeding (53 ± 12% and 57 ± 8%, respectively, vs. 17 ± 5% for scaffolds without particles; p < .001 in both cases), as well as higher cell viability up to 21 days of culture (67 ± 17% and 61 ± 11%, respectively, vs. 15 ± 7% for scaffolds without particles; p < .001 in both cases). In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity increased up to 558 ± 164% on day 21 in the scaffolds with ES particles, and up to 567 ± 217% on day 14 in the scaffolds with NTES particles (p = .006 and p = .002, respectively, relative to day 0). Overall, this study shows that the physicochemical properties of the alginate‐chitosan hydrogel scaffolds with ES or NTES particles are similar to those of cancellous bone. In addition, scaffolds with particles supported early osteogenic differentiation and therefore represent a promising new bone substitute, especially for non‐load bearing applications.

Abstract Purpose To characterise the mammography technique used in breast cancer screening programmes for breast implants (BI) and to identify if the image quality (IQ) criteria available in literature are applicable to BI imaging. Methods The study was conducted in two phases: literature review to find IQ criteria used in mammography combining keywords in several sources; and assessment of 1207 BI mammograms using the criteria that was identified previously to see if they were achieved or not. An observation grid was used to collect information about positioning, beam energy, compression force, and exposure mode. Descriptive statistics and Student’s t test and χ2 test were performed according to the nature of the variables. Results Forty-seven out of 2188 documents were included in the analysis, with 13 items identified to assess the quality of positioning, 4 for sharpness, 3 for artefacts, and 2 for exposure parameters. After applying the criteria to BI mammograms, retroglandular fat was not included in 37.3% of the images. The “Pectoral-Nipple-Line” criterion was achieved in 35% of MLO/ML images. The placement of the implant (subpectoral/subglandular) or performing the Eklund had significant influence on the visible anatomy (p = < 0.005), alongside whether the breast was aligned to the detector’s centre. Conclusions Some of the criteria used to assess standard mammograms were not applicable to BI due to implant overlap. The alignment of the image with the detector’s centre seems to have an impact on the amount of visible tissue. Further studies are necessary to define the appropriate protocol, technique, and suitable quality criteria to assess BI mammograms.

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Left atrial flutters (LAFL) are typically observed in patients with previous ablation lines or surgery in the left atrium (LA). Less frequently, scar-related left atrial anterior wall (LAAW) flutters may occur. Although the presence of low-voltage areas (LVAs, a surrogate of scar) in the LA is considered an arrhythmogenic substrate and a marker of atrial cardiomyopathy, the pathophysiologic factors responsible for its formation remain unclear. We hypothesized that compression of the LAAW by the aortic root could be responsible of LVAs found in the LAAW, and therefore, be the substrate for the development of LAAW flutter. Purpose We aimed to describe: 1) the relationship between the aortic root and the presence of LVAs in the LAAW, which is the substrate for reentry; and 2) the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of LAAW atrial flutter. Methods Consecutive patients referred for LAFL ablation between April 2019 and September 2022 in a single center were retrospectively collected. Among 55 patients with LAFL, 10 (18%) demonstrated a macroreentrant circuit with a critical isthmus identified in the LAAW, in the absence of previous ablation lines or surgery, and were included in the analysis. Previous pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was not an exclusion criterion. All patients underwent a multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) prior to the procedure and the images were analyzed using ADAS 3DTM imaging platform. Activation mapping was performed in all patients using a multielectrode mapping catheter and CARTO 3 navigation system. Results 9 of 10 patients were male (mean age 74,3 ± 6,3 years). LA enlargement was present in all patients (48,3 ± 4,7 mm) and the mean aortic root diameter was 34,8 ± 3,4 mm. The mean LAAW flutter cycle length was 293,4 ± 68,3 ms. In 9 of the patients (90%), the LAAW flutter critical isthmus was just behind the aortic root, separated by &lt; 1 mm according to the LA-aortic root fingerprinted isodistance map (mean fingerprinted isodistance area was 5,8 ± 2,5 cm2). The remaining patient had the critical isthmus just below the aortic root, between the area in contact with the latter and the mitral annulus. Furthermore, in all cases, the critical isthmus was immersed in LVAs. All but 1 LAAW flutter terminated during radiofrequency (RF) energy applications and rendered it non-inducible. After a median follow-up of 13,6 months (IQ range 5,3-21,6), 7 patients (70%) remained without recurrences. Conclusion In patients with LAAW atrial flutter, the presence of LVAs and the critical isthmus of the tachycardia are mostly circumscribed into small areas immediately behind the aortic root. Knowledge of this close relationship and the use of the isodistance map could be useful when mapping and ablating LAAW flutter, helping to straightforward the ablation procedure.

Category: Hindfoot; Sports Introduction/Purpose: Insertional and non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy (AT) are prevalent diseases in the active, working-age population. Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are frequently utilized in the assessment and grading of AT. Use of these imaging modalities are limited by operator interpretation/variability and costs, respectively. Also, these assessments are performed in the non-weight bearing positioning of the lower extremity, thus poorly evaluating the functional position of the loaded tendon. Validation of weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) for Achilles tendon imaging could provide a novel and functional means of quantifying tendon pathology. The study’s purposes were to: 1) Correlate Achilles tendon tissue structural findings when assessed by WBCT and US imaging, and 2) Compare WBCT Achilles tendon tissue changes between AT patients and controls. Methods: This was a prospective-comparative IRB-approved cohort study including 10 adults with AT (Age = 54.7 ± 10.3 years, BMI = 40.65 ± 10.07 kg/m2, 8F/2M), 10 age-matched controls (Age = 54.6 ± 11.33 years, BMI = 37.9 ± 9.55 kg/m2, 8F/2M), and 4 younger controls (Age = 32.25 ± 8.3 years, BMI = 24.32 ± 5.14 kg/m2, 2F/2M). WBCT scans (Curvebeam HiRise/PedCAT) and US imaging (Butterfly iQ+) of the Achilles tendon were collected. Tendons were manually segmented in WBCT images (3D Slicer software) and tendon thickness was measured at the maximum anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the tendon (insertion and midportion regions). Radiodensity was quantified by the average Hounsfield Units (HU) of each tendon region and normalized to the radiodensity of each participant’s talus (segmented using Disior Bonelogic). US measures of the tendon thickness were similarly completed by independent observers who were blinded to the WBCT measurement. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) assessed correlation between WBCT and US findings. Paired T-tests compared WBCT HU between patients and controls. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: There was excellent correlation (ICC= 0.83-0.94, Table 1) between WBCT and US imaging regarding tendon thickness, with WBCT overestimating thickness by only 0.27-0.55mm (4-9% of total tendon thickness). These findings could be explained by decreased US tendon thickness measurements secondary to the tendon’s compression by the US probe. WBCT imaging demonstrated a higher radiodensity (HU) within the Achilles tendon (for both insertion and midportion regions) in AT patients when compared to controls (Table 2), with p-values of 0.009 and 0.001 for insertional and midportion regions, respectively. Findings are consistent with tendinopathic differentiation of the Achilles tendon substance in the AT patients. Color-coded maps demonstrating HU distributions across the Achilles tendon were created to facilitate interpretation of tissue characteristics (Fig. 1). Conclusion: In this prospective, comparative, and controlled study, we observed a high correlation between US and WBCT imaging in the assessment of Achilles tendon thickness in AT patients and controls. We also found that WBCT HU distribution in the Achilles tendon was significantly increased in the AT patients when compared to controls. Findings are likely explained by tendinopathic tissue changes in the diseased tendons, potentially related to the well-known chondroid metaplasia observed in Achilles tendinopathy pathological process. WBCT imaging and color-coded maps can represent a promising tool in the assessment of AT patients.

The need to find alternative cementitious material in concrete works is inevitable because of high cost of cement. Pumice ash is a possible material that could be used as partial or total replacement for cement provided the compressive and flexural properties of the concrete from it meet the ACI/ASTM specifications. This paper present the chemical composition of pumice ash and the mechanical properties of pozzolan from pumice ash. It showed how the partial replacement of cement with pumice powder (ash) affects the compressive and flexural properties of the pozzolanas from pumice-cement mortar. 50g of pumice was collected to make five samples for the chemical analysis. The samples were crushed and grounded to powdered form. Chemical analysis of the pumice ash sample was carried out using the X-ray florescence (XRF Spectra IQ) technique. For the mechanical properties of the mortar from pumice powder, three samples of cubes and three samples of beams were made from pumice ash mortar at 5 %, 10 % and 15 % replacement of cement. The compressive and flexural strengths of the cubes and beam samples were determined in accordance with ASTM C 109 and C 348 respectively. The results showed that combination of Silicon Oxide, Aluminum Oxide and Iron Oxide of the pumice ash is 78.86 % which is greater than 70 %, the minimum requirement of a good pozzolan manufacturing of blended cement should meet. It was observed that the compressive and the flexural strengths of the mortar increased with age but decreased with increase in percentage of pumice ash in the mortar. At 28 days, the compressive stress of 0, 5, 10 and 15 % replacement were 58.4, 35.2, 31.2 and 30.0 N/mm2. Similarly, the flexural strengths of 0, 5, 10 and 15 % replacement were 9.71, 6.90, 6.55 and 6.20 N/mm2 at 28 days. The mortar mix can be classified as type M (ASTM C 109) which is applicable in construction of moderate loading walls and structures.